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Use this home buying checklist as a cheat sheet for your entire home buying process: from gathering your documents to applying for a mortgage and finding your dream home.

1. EMPLOYMENT/INCOME

  • Name, address, phone number, and dates of employment for all employers over the last 2 years
  • 30 days’ worth of paystubs or most recent LES
  • Last 2 years’ W2s
  • If self employed or receive commission or rental income:
  • Last 2 years’ personal tax returns
  • If you own a business: Last 2 years’ business tax returns
  • Copies of social security, pension, and/or retirement award letters and corresponding 1099s
  • Divorce decree and settlement paperwork for separate maintenance (if applicable)
  • Explanation letter for employment gaps

2. ASSETS

  • 60 days’ bank statements for checking and savings accounts
  • 60 days’ statements for investment and retirement accounts
  • Documentation for real estate currently owned, if any

3. PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • Government-issued ID
  • Your basic information like name, address, and phone number
  • Previous addresses for the past 2 years
  • Dates of birth and years of school completed
  • Social Security numbers for all applicants for credit check
  • Race and Ethnicity information (for government monitoring – requested on all mortgage loans)
  • Copy of valid ID such as a driver’s license or government ID
  • State where you plan to purchase
  • Number and age of dependents

4. PROPERTY YOU ARE BUYING

  • Purchase contract accepted and signed by you and the seller\
  • Appraisal showing a value of at least the purchase price (your lender will order)
  • Name and contact information for the homeowner’s insurance agent you will use
  • Name and phone number for the homeowner’s association, if applicable
  • A home inspection report is typically not required by your lender, but it’s a good idea to get an inspection

5. CREDIT/LIABILITIES

  • General knowledge of your current credit card, student loan, auto loan, and other credit accounts. Your loan officer will pull a credit report that shows your accounts, but on occasion, the information may be outdated, missing, or erroneous.
  • Explanation for credit mishaps
  • Bankruptcy and discharge paperwork (if applicable)
  • Documentation disproving any erroneous items on your credit report